This super easy, economical dessert is perfect for a quick finish to a meal. Sweet, crispy, moist and kid-friendly, it’s a bit on the ugly side but the taste more than makes up for that. Delicious hot or cold, it’s great for lunch boxes. Can be made ahead of time and popped into the oven when you take the roast out.
Do give it a try, it’s the easiest home-baked apple pastry dessert we have ever made. – From cheekyricho cooking
Apple Duff Irish Dessert Recipe
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial / Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp sour apple | 1 | 1 |
| Cinnamon | Pinch | Pinch |
| Brown sugar | 15 grams | 1 tablespoon |
| Sultanas | 20 grams | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 15 grams | 1 tablespoon |
| Puff pastry sheet | 1 sheet | 1 sheet |
Method
Peel and core the apple, cut it in half around the middle. Mix the sugar, cinnamon, sultanas and butter, then poke the mixture into the holes in the apples, pressing in firmly. Cut the pastry sheet in half and place an apple half on each half of pastry. Gather the edges of the pastry up and squash the edges enclosing the apple. Give it a good squeeze all over to expel air and ensure a good seal. Bake for 15-20 minutes in a 250°C oven until crispy brown all over. Serve hot, warm or cold, with custard, cream, ice cream, yoghurt or naked. It does not get any easier than this Apple Duff dessert.
Key takeaway: Using a crisp sour apple balances the sweetness and ensures a lovely texture. Baking at a high temperature crisps the pastry beautifully.
How to Store Apple Duff
Store any leftover Apple Duff in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain the crispiness, reheat in a moderate oven rather than the microwave.
Can You Freeze Apple Duff?
Yes, Apple Duff freezes well. Wrap each pastry-enclosed apple half tightly in cling film and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until piping hot and crisp.
Common Troubleshooting: Why Is My Pastry Soggy?
Ensure the pastry edges are sealed tightly to prevent steam from escaping and making the pastry soggy. Also, baking at a high temperature helps crisp the pastry quickly. Avoid overfilling the apple cavity to reduce excess moisture.
For more traditional Irish baking inspiration, try our Irish soda bread recipe or Irish Soda Scones. If you love apple desserts, you might also enjoy the Irish Apple Tart or the Apple and Cinnamon Traybake. For hearty Irish meals to accompany your dessert, explore our traditional Irish stew recipe.
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Visit local food purveyors on this culinary walking tour around Dublin, including stops at bakeries, delis, and markets. This is a wonderful way to connect with Irish food culture and bring a real skill home with you.
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